Monthly Archives: March 2020

When Should You Buy Your Next Car? You Might Be Surprised! 

By Alex Perdikis

You’re ready for a new car, but you plan to wait until dealers and manufacturers offer those fantastic end-of-the-year bargains. That’s when you get the most bang for your buck, right? Not necessarily! You’ll find great deals at the end of the year. But, that’s not the only time to find a bargain. 

End of the Year Hoopla

The end of the year is indeed a great time to buy a new car. Dealers have to meet yearly sales goals, so they offer deals to reduce inventory.

“A low end-of-the-year inventory means more room for the latest and greatest coming in next year’s models. This combination is the perfect bargain storm for would-be buyers.”— Alex Perdikis

Does that mean you have to wait to buy your new car? Simply put, no. The end-of-the-year is not the only time you can find the car you want at a great price. In fact, the one drawback to these great year-end deals is that you’re pretty much limited to what’s on the lot for the best deals. If you want a deal and a lot of choices, shopping at a different time of year is for you.

Wait Until May?

The first few months of a new year are the least discounted, but come May and beyond, discounts and bargains begin in earnest. By August, manufacturers and dealers are looking forward to next year. You could find your dream car at a dream of a price in early spring and summer.

Is a Holiday Coming Up?

Did you know that Christmas and New Year’s day aren’t the only holidays you can get a great deal? Dealers offer a lot of sales and deals on holidays throughout the year. Three-day weekend holidays give you the best opportunities. Memorial Day is typically a big deal in car buying with a lot of outgoing model selections from which to choose. 

Labor Day weekend is also a big weekend. You may not get the same end-of-the-year terms, but you’ll have more options and still get a good deal. 

Monday, Tuesday, the Weekend, Or?

Did you know some days of the week are better for buyers than others? Weekends are typically busy at dealerships, but you’ll get a lot more attention and a smoother buying process if you shop early in the week. Monday’s usually pretty busy, but Tuesday and Wednesday tend to be less busy and a better environment for buyers.

Great Deals: Discontinued or Before-a-Redesign Models 

This one takes a little research, but if the automaker plans to discontinue a model you like, you could find a great deal as long as you plan to keep the car for a while. Discontinued models depreciate faster, but they might fit your budget better if you need a bargain price.

Purchasing an outgoing model design can also save you money. It won’t have the latest and greatest options and styling, perhaps, but if you want to save money, outgoing models give you a lot of the same options for less.

Build a Relationship

One of the most effective ways to get the car you want at a price that fits your budget is to build a relationship with a dealer in your region. The dealership wants to make you happy and maintain a relationship with you. When you have a trusting relationship with your local dealership, it won’t matter what time of year you want to buy a car. The dealership will work hard to get you the right car at the best price. 

 

 

Alex Perdikis, Koons of Silver Spring general manager and owner, lives in Chevy Chase with his wife and daughters.

Spring Means More Potholes. Here’s How to Protect Yourself.

By Alex Perdikis

Spring is in the air. Plants begin to grow. Your lawn greens up. What’s not to love? Well, another sure sign of spring hated by drivers everywhere is the pothole. Your drive to work just got a lot more complicated. 

What can you do to protect yourself and your car from those spring driving delights?  Here’s how:

The Cause

You can blame winter weather and its temperatures for potholes. During the winter and into early spring, the ground freezes and thaws, which weakens the road. Water seeps into the under-pavement soil undermining the road’s foundation. Potholes form as the weakened road gives way under traffic.

“Severe winter weather or a constant freeze/thaw winter pattern promotes pothole formation. The freeze/thaw cycle varies from winter to winter.”—Alex Perdikis


That’s why some years you see more potholes than others.

Avoid Potholes If You Can

Road crews can’t possibly keep up with pothole repair in the busy season. If you live in an area where potholes exist, follow these tips to avoid hitting them:

  • Maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. You’ll have a better view of potholes ahead and a clear indication if the car in front swerves or hits one.
  • Go around the pothole if you can safely do so.
  • If you can’t go around, slow down, grip the steering wheel firmly and drive over it. 
  • Never drive through a water-covered road. You have no idea how deep the water is or how many potholes hide underneath. 
  • Puddles can be a sign of potholes. Either swerve or take it easy over puddles in the road. 
  • Make sure your car is well maintained. Check your tires for the proper inflation and make sure your suspension is in good condition. Spring driving means a lot of ups and downs. You will hit potholes, and your car needs all the help it can get to withstand the assault.

The Damage Report

You probably won’t be able to avoid hitting a pothole or two. And, if you do, it may not be a soft, easy impact. If you’ve hit one, watch for these warning signs of car damage:

  1. The car pulls in one direction.
  2. Your car sways when you turn.
  3. The car bottoms out on paved streets.
  4. Your vehicle bounces excessively.
  5. You notice fluid leaks.
  6. You hear odd sounds from the exhaust.
  7. Your car simply drives differently after a pothole hit.

Hitting a pothole can damage your suspension, steering, alignment and tires. If you hit a pothole, have your car checked out as soon as possible. 

Does Insurance Cover Pothole Damage?

The answer to the question about insurance covering damage is a strong “maybe.” The only way to know for sure if your policy covers damage from a collision with a pothole is to read the policy or ask your agent. 

Potholes may not be the most welcome sign of spring, but they’re certainly one of the most common. With a little skill and a lot of luck, you might get through spring without pothole damage. Enjoy the spring flowers!

 

Alex Perdikis, Koons of Silver Spring general manager and owner, lives in Chevy Chase with his wife and daughters.